Aspirant filmmakers - Here's your chance!

Through this partnership, candidates can participate in a free film skills development programme, funded by the Department of Labour. This skills development programme was introduced in 2004 as part of the MultiChoice VUKA! Awards. The Awards encourage professional and newcomer filmmakers to produce charity commercials for good causes. MultiChoice Africa offers free airtime to the best of these entries.

The Awards kick off with one day workshops to be held in major centres around the country in May. Workshops are scheduled in Johannesburg on the 3rd and 4th, Durban 5th, Grahamstown 7th and Cape Town 10th.

Staff Sithole, executive manager of the MultiChoice Africa Foundation said, "Through this partnership with government, participants will be prepared for entry level, job-specific training within the film and television industry."

One hundred previously disadvantaged workshop participants, unable to attend film school, will be selected for the Film Skills Development Programme which will run from June to September 2004. This programme includes relevant training and mentorship and requires completion of a MultiChoice VUKA! Award entry.

Participation in the programme highlights various career options in the film industry. Not only does the industry need directors, actors and writers, they also need other skills including decorators, props makers, location scouts, grips (working with machinery), gaffers (working with lights and electricity), wardrobe designers and seamstresses.

To enrol for the workshops contact Gecko Communications 021 426 0181 email .